This is where you will find a bit of info on some of the tools I like to use and where I like to get my supplies for my projects. I will include links to specific items when available, and try and offer up alternatives when they are not available.
You'll notice that I try and keep all my purchases reasonable, meaning I don't see the point in spending more for "name-brand" items when there are good quality alternatives that will do the job just as well. I look for what fit's my needs and my budget. Knowing the needs of your projects can also help you save quite a bit of money. I often buy tools that may get poor reviews in one aspect of their use, but if I won't be using it for that specific aspect, and they are otherwise fine, then I will buy the cheaper tool.
In some cases however, I try and buy higher quality items just to make my life easier, such as the Busboard Prototype Systems BB830 breadboards, Thermaltronics rosin and tinner, and Pinecil Soldering Iron I use. There are cheaper alternatives, and I have used some of them, but in each case they were inferior to the point of causing more problems than they're worth, thus justifying spending more to buy better quality items.
Any specific tools or items you see here are ones I have bought and continue to use. Many of the tools I buy will be from Amazon or eBay. While most of the components I use come from Mouser Electronics or DigiKey, unless they are out-dated, then it's often eBay.
However, I do buy some of my components off Amazon as well, even though they are often marked-up in price compared to proper suppliers like Mouser. There are situation where the free two-day Prime shipping can make up for that marked-up price. When I link to specific components on this list from Amazon, that means I trust them, have had little to no issues with them, and actually use them in my projects.
Note: All Amazon links are "affiliate links", meaning if you use that link to buy the item, Amazon gives me a tiny commission for the referral, pennies on the dollar in most cases, and they do not alter the price of the item being purchased. My primary reason for using affiliate links is their convenience, and since this is a very low-traffic "hobby" blog, I don't expect to make any money off of them. I just want to be open and ensure that browsers of my tiny little blog know what they are clicking. Thank you!
Late Updated: Dec 2024
- Soldering Tools and Accessories
- Yihua 939D+ Soldering Station [Buy: https://amzn.to/3bhCjSq]
- Pine64 Pinecil [Buy: https://amzn.to/3X3kUQK or https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/]
- Kotto Helping Hands w/ 4 Arms [Buy: https://amzn.to/3vsRMWN]
- Kaisi Silicone Repair Mat [Buy: https://amzn.to/4gC1dJb]
- Velleman VTHH6-VP Circuit Board Clamping Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3P3o8AN]
- Maiyum 63/37 Rosin Core Solder [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BtE7CA]
- Velleman Heated Vacuum Desoldering Pump [Buy: https://amzn.to/3cSice3]
- Thermaltronics TMT-FP-1 Rosin Paste Flux [Buy: https://amzn.to/3zLce7K]
- Thermaltronics TMT-TC-2 Lead Free Tip Tinner [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OJx8IB]
- MG Chemicals Liquid Rosin Flux [Buy: https://amzn.to/3WF2fdz]
- 30CC Needle Bottle (For Flux) [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tg1lXn]
- Cutting, Stripping, Modding, and Other Must Have Tools
- Black & Decker 8V Cordless Drill [Buy: https://amzn.to/3SibVJ1]
- Precision Screwdriver Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3JumSTO]
- 3pc Titanium Stepped Drill Bit Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BwpbUr]
- Creality Ender 3 3D Printer [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oHLUFd]
- DIP/IC Extracting Tool [Buy: https://amzn.to/3bkBxUR]
- Deburring Tool [Buy: https://amzn.to/3ONLsjm]
- Wire Stripping/Crimping Tool [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OMfmo3]
- 22AWG Silicon Insulated Solid Wire [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oKks9Y]
- 62pc Hobby Knife Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3bkDMrf]
- Mr. Pen Steel 4pc Ruler Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3QdQCXf]
- Cheap Digital Caliper [Buy: https://amzn.to/3ziOXJ3]
- Dahle Self Healing Cutting Mat [Buy: https://amzn.to/3WFHu1t]
- High Temperature Heat Resistant Polyimide Tape [Buy: https://amzn.to/3TsoEIo]
- Power Supply and Delivery
- Drok Buck/Boost Converter DC 6V-32V to 1.5V-32V [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BwoJFJ]
- 19V 3.42A 64W AC/DC Power Adapter [Buy: https://amzn.to/3bkQLsY]
- 12V 3A 36W AC/DC Power Adapter [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oHYzIf]
- Drok DC 12V to 5V Buck Converter w/USB and Screw Terminals [Buy: https://amzn.to/3E1DuQt]
- 9V Battery Case with Switch 5pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UU2i3z]
- 9V Battery T-Type Clip Connector with Leads 10pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3WWfFSG]
- 3x AAA Battery Holder with Leads 6pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Etx2Df]
- 3x AA Battery Holder with Leads 6pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3TwVV5i]
- E-Outstanding 10 pcs CR2032 Coin Cell
Battery Socket [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UAVI27]
- Magnifying Tools
- LED Magnifying Glass Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3cZ8Kpv]
- LED Head Mount Magnifier [Buy: https://amzn.to/3SdpfOF]
- Cheap USB Magnifying Camera [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BsFdi5]
- Programming and Prototyping Tools
- Sparkfun Tiny AVR Programmer for Atmel Tiny85 Microcontroller [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oK7ysp]
- Canaduino ZIF Socket DIY Programming Shield for Arduino Nano AtMega328 [Buy: https://amzn.to/3zJT56g]
- Hi-Letgo ST-Link (STM32) Programmer [Buy: https://amzn.to/3FWdVTp]
- KeeYees USBASP AVR [Buy: https://amzn.to/3hneETq]
- USB to Serial Adapter [Buy: https://amzn.to/3fECYzO]
- Sunfounder Raspberry Pi & Arduino Holder Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oKsyiH]
- BPS BB830 Solderless Breadboards [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Bwc6KP]
- REXQualis Breadboard Jumper Wire 840pcs Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3zO9yWR]
- Oscilloscope, Testers, and Logic Tools
- Hantek 6022BE USB Oscilloscope [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Q6z0wf]
- HiLetgo USB Logic Analyzer [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oH7Zno]
- 1Hz to 50MHz Crystal Oscillator Tester DIY Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3biaxWa]
- Longrunner Multi-function Component Tester [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oHZjgv]
- Drok Multi-function Component Tester [Buy: https://amzn.to/3PIiO4x]
- Kaiweets Digital Multimeter [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OMYsGa]
When placing a large order or buying in bulk, you're much better off buying from a proper supplier like Mouser or DigiKey. Not only do you get a better overall deal on the per-unit price, but the shipping cost is justified on larger orders. However, when you are just ordering a single part, or a very small order, the inflated Amazon price is easily offset by the free shipping, and the fact you get the item in just a few days at most is also a plus.
A common misconception is that most electronic components sold on Amazon are "cheap China crap" or fake, and while there are indeed many items on Amazon that fall into that category, there are still a lot of good components for sale on Amazon, and not all items from China are "crap". Like I said at the start of this page, if I have linked the item below, that means I have actually used it, tested it, and found it to be within the specified tolerances.
- Resistors
- Elegoo 17 Value 1% Resistor Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oMfPMD]
- Edgelec 100Pcs 330ohm 1% Resistors [Buy 1/4Watt: https://amzn.to/3QaHm6a] [Buy 1/2Watt: https://amzn.to/3oNWzOU]
- Edgelec 100pcs 39ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3g2ORj2]
- Edgelec 100pcs 390ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3fZQ9v6]
- Edgelec 100pcs 680ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3E4VzNp]
- Edgelec 100pcs 1.2K ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3G9DW1L]
- Edgelec 100pcs 33K ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3AaqeYo]
- Edgelec 100pcs 10M ohm 1% ¼ Watt Resistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Uxk1hC]
- Electronics-Salon SIP Resistor Array Assortment [Buy: https://amzn.to/3GdF84c]
- Capacitors
- REXQualis 24 Value 696pcs Electrolytic Capacitor Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oKpd39]
- Bojack 15 Value 600pcs Ceramic Capacitor Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3QaIabc]
- Bojack 0.1uF/100nF 50V Ceramic Disc Capacitors 50 Pack [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UXBVdf]
- EEEEE 30 Value 300pcs Ceramic Capacitor Assortment 10pf to 10uF [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Eu1LA1]
- Variable Capacitance 6mm Capacitor Kit
12pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3EvLRoW]
- Transistors
- Bojack 10 Value 250pcs Transistor Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BPIIPV]
- Chanzon 100pcs 2N7000 TO-92 MOS
N-Channel Transistors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3GdZVom]
- Diodes
- Bojack 14 Value 240pcs Diode Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Bvg46b]
- Bojack 30 Value 600pcs Zener Diode Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Q2CaRI]
- LED
- Dicuno 5 Color 5mm 450pcs LED Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Sj1Lb6]
- Generic 5 Color 5mm 100pcs LED Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3PU5OJ4]
- Chanzon RGB 5mm 100pcs LED Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3vwuEGY]
- 10 Segment LED Bar Graph RGYB 2pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OLMSep]
- Chanzon 60pcs 3mm LED Assortment [Buy: https://amzn.to/3E4typh]
- Chanzon 20pcs 3mm LED Metal LED Holder [Buy: https://amzn.to/3E4typh]
- EEEEE P10 Red 512 LED Matrix Panel 32cm x 16cm [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tpSqTk]
- HiLetgo MAX7219 Dot Matrix LED Module [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UBczlB]
- 4-Digit 0.36” LED Segment Clock Display TM1637 [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UB0c8X]
- MakerFocus 2pcs I2C 0.91” OLED Display Screen [Buy: https://amzn.to/3g2HXdD]
- Utronics 0.96” SSD1306 I2C 128x64
Yellow/Blue OLED Display Screen [Buy: https://amzn.to/3THixAc]
- Voltage Regulators
- Bojack L7805CV 5V 1.5A 25pcs Linear Regulator [Buy: https://amzn.to/3P68t1n]
- Generic 10 Value 50pcs Linear Voltage Regulator Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Qa8phH]
- EasyCargo 12 Pack Heatsink Kit for Linear Voltage Regulator [Buy: https://amzn.to/3BD28XU]
- STMicroelectronics 3.3V 950MA LD1117V33 Voltage Regulators [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tot74i]
- Crystal Oscillators
- Uxcell 16 MHz 20pcs HC-49S Low Profile Crystal Oscillators [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UGiPbS]
- Uxcell 25MHz 10pcs HC-49S Low Profile Crystal Oscillators [Buy: https://amzn.to/3AmEspe]
- Potentiometers and Trimpots
- Bojack 15 Value 150pcs 100-2M Ohm [Buy: https://amzn.to/3vvSBxS]
- Bojack 12 Value 60pcs Multi-Turn 100-500K Ohm [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OSR8c3]
- Microcontrollers
- AtTiny85-20PU DIP-8 Microcontroller 5pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UztAMW]
- Digispark AtTiny85 USB Devboard 5pcs Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3X0Nims]
- Elegoo Arduino Nano Devboard 3pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tq3znh]
- Integrated Circuits
- Bojack SN74HC595N 8-Bit Shift Register
25pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3AasZJe]
- Speakers and Sound
- Gikfun 2” 4ohm 3W Full Range Speakers 2pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3WX0VCZ]
- CQRobot 8ohm 3W Speaker with JST-PH-2.0 Connector 2pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3hGecQj]
- HiLetgo 5pcs PAM8403 2 Channel 3W 2.5V
to 5V Amp Board [Buy: https://amzn.to/3AbFHaU]
- Wire, Terminals, and Connectors
- Striveday 22AWG Silicone Solid Wire [Buy: https://amzn.to/3WC4EWF]
- Generic Dupont Jumper Wires [Buy: https://amzn.to/3fKV6I9]
- Plastic DC 5.5mm x 2.1mm Barrel Jack (For PCB) [Buy: https://amzn.to/3hpLAe9]
- Metal DC 5.5mm x 2.5mm Barrel Jack (For Enclosure) [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UiHkeW]
- Banana Plug Female Plug/Terminal [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Tgscxg]
- Banana Plug Male Plug [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UiUAjx]
- Uxcell D-Sub Connectors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3zW27wJ]
- 6-Pin PS/2 Style Connectors: [Buy: https://amzn.to/3taoivh]
- BNC Female Connectors [Buy: https://amzn.to/3NN1I5p]
- 40 Pin 40pcs Breakaway Male and Female Socket/Header DIY Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tpdhX0]
- 2x3 6-Pin Straight Male Shrouded PCB Header [Buy: https://amzn.to/3g3hdd4]
- USB 2.0 10pcs Female DIP Breakout Board Connector [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UGiea8]
- IC Socket Assortment 150pcs 2.54mm Pitch DIP [Buy: https://amzn.to/3O3az2Y]
- Alligator Clip 5 Color 20” Wire Set [Buy: https://amzn.to/3OiboFr]
- 2 Pin 5mm Pitch PCB Screw Terminal Block 50pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UQU9gj]
- Buttons and Switches
- DIYhz 100pcs Small 3-Pin 2 Position SPDT 2mm Vertical Slide Switch [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UVQBcP]
- OCR 190pcs Momentary Microswitch Assortment [Buy: https://amzn.to/3g5IITh]
- SPST Momentary Mini Buttons 5 Color 12pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3hCu06z]
- SPST 2 Pin 2 Position Mini Toggle Switch [Buy: https://amzn.to/3O5qBJu]
- 12mm Self-Locking Latch Push Button
Switch 5 Color 12pcs [Buy: https://amzn.to/3UUUaQg]
- Prototyping Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
- Elegoo 32pcs Prototyping PCB Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Su1e6e]
- ElectoCookie Solderable Breadboard PCB Kit [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oNnYjU]
- Project Enclosures
- Zulkit ABS Project Enclosures [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Bzq9zh]
- Zulkit ABS Waterproof Project Enclosures [Buy: https://amzn.to/3Q7aOtA]
- Bud Industries ABS Handheld Style Project Enclosure [Buy: https://amzn.to/3SmSjDl]
- Hammond ABS Standard Rectangular Project Enclosure [Buy: https://amzn.to/3oODlII] or [Buy: https://amzn.to/3zw5LfQ]
- Hammond Soft Touch Case with Battery Door [Buy: https://amzn.to/3QgLJN3]
- Other Stuff
- Self-Adhesive Black Rubber Feet [Buy: https://amzn.to/3DZhxBs]
- HiLetgo 3pcs HC-SR-501 PIR Infrared Motion Sensor [Buy: https://amzn.to/3O4oKF9]
- Pastall 100pcs Heatsink Assortment with
Heat Conductive Adhesive [Buy: https://amzn.to/3tuYqKN]
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